Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
12:37
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
18.9K
Talking about sunbed tanning: Social representations and identity-work.
Jennifer Taylor1, Michael Murray1, Alexandra Lamont1
1School of Psychology, Keele University, United Kingdom.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|May 21, 2017
Summary
Sunbed tanning is popular despite health risks, as users downplay dangers and emphasize benefits. Interventions should challenge perceived health benefits rather than solely focusing on risks.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Sunbed tanning remains popular in Western countries despite known health risks.
- Knowledge of harmful effects does not consistently reduce sunbed use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand sunbed use through social psychological perspectives.
- To explore social representations of sunbed tanning among users and non-users in the UK.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 sunbed users and 10 non-users.
- Utilized thematic analysis to identify key dimensions in social representations.
Main Results:
- Two dimensions, health and beauty, emerged in social representations.
- Sunbed users minimized health risks and emphasized benefits, while non-users focused on risks.
- Users engaged in identity-work to counter societal disapproval and negative stereotypes.
Conclusions:
- Social representations theory offers insights into sunbed use within its environmental context.
- Interventions should address users' perceived health benefits and identity-work, not just risks.
- Challenging the discourse of health benefits is crucial for reducing sunbed use.
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